Department of Justice,
Bureau of Investigation.

Wilmington, N. C., Jan. 11, 1918.

John D. Langston,
Special Aide to the Governor,
Raleigh, North Carolina.

Dear Sir:-

In accordance with your letter I made investigation of the Local Exemption Board, Pitt County, and I am of the opinion that the Chairman of this Board should be removed as he is dominating the Board and making exemptions which are causing much bitter feeling in the County, and has a tendency to influence men who are subject to the draft to rebel as they have no influence to evade a call of service.

It is useless for me to attempt to tell you anything of this man Laughinghouse as I am aware that you know his history for shady dealings in the past, I do not mean by this that he his doing anything criminal at this time, but is using his office as Chairman of this Board to build up his political fences. I understand that your Mr. McCargo was in there and checked up this office and made a report which shows up the office inworse shape than my report.

I also suggest that you appoint another attorney for the Government in Pitt County in the place of Mr. Simons, who I learned is hand in glove with the present Board, and makes no appeals unless forced to do so.

Very truly yours,

Dorsey E. Phillips
Agent in Charge.

DEP/ MP

Enclosed in: 1918, Jan. 17. Langston to Bickett.